by Amber Goodwyn
There’s a certain type of fella around town I like to call ‘James and John-ses’, after my fellow Prairie Dog writers Brotheridge and Cameron respectively. You may know their type: brunette beardos with a propensity for cardigans and lengthy conversations about musical minutiae. Sometimes I slyly point out such a dude to my editor cum brunch companion, who replies ‘Actually, that is James’.
Anyway.
John Cameron is one-third of These Estates, a power-pop turned beard-rock turned bourbon-rock Regina band who are releasing their first full-length album, The Dignity of Man, on Saturday, Feb. 22at The Exchange; Coldest Night Of The Year and Treebeard share the bill. To celebrate, John graciously agreed to answer my Music-Themed Proust-ish Questionnaire.
What is your most marked characteristic?
Tendency to get called “Zach Galifinakis” by strangers.
What is your idea of perfect musical happiness?
Probably “Keep On Knocking” by Death.
What is your most treasured musical possession?
Probably my guitar and my amp. They’re very much in the “only gear you’ll ever need” category.
What is your greatest musical extravagance?
Guitar solos.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of musical misery?
Drum triggers.
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
My vanity. Also, my perfect hair.
What trait you most deplore in others?
A lack of sufficient respect for my perfect hair.
Which living musician do you most admire?
Tie between John Darnielle and Beyoncé. That answer is 100 per cent serious.
What is the greatest (album) love of your life?
It’d be great if I could be buried with a copy of Firewater by Silkworm.
What do you consider your greatest musical achievement?
“The Dignity of Man” by These Estates. Ask again in a couple years.
What’s your motto?
“I hate the fuckin’ Eagles, man.”
Other Showssss
Juno-nominees Rah Rah play The Exchange with Snake River and Shitty Dream on Friday, Feb. 28. Finally, catch some sweet song-smithin’ care of maritimer Old Man Leudecke at Artful Dodger on Monday, March 3.
In My Ears: Alden Penner’s Exegesis
Twitter: @ambergoodwyn
Check in: ag@prairiedogmag.com
